20th Annual Dale Velzy Surf Classic and Luau comes to a close

Gary Stellen of MSA enjoys his win in the Grand Masters Legend Division

Dana Point, California 
September 26, 2009

The Doheny Longboard Surfing Association’s 20th Annual Dale Velzy Surf Classic and Luau is now in the record books. The event featured everything from classic longboarding, to breathtaking tandem to the newer Stand Up Paddle (SUP) competition and more. Several inspired performances and great last minute clutch surfing capped off the one day event.

The men’s 20 to 29 age group featured over-the-top surfing from both Max Dexter and Bucky Barry of Dana Point who demonstrated incredible style and maneuvers in the smallish but fun surf. Dexter eventually won out over Barry - each showed incredible sportsmanship.

This year’s event consisted of two competitive surfing areas that were judged simultaneously by two separate judging stations. The configuration enabled SUP surfing and Tandem divisions to surf and work their way to the finals in the afternoon.

The Doheny Longboard Surfing Association has held the Dale Velzy event for 20 years at Doheny State Beach and it is one of the most cherished events of the club’s year long schedule. This year’s program was no exception. Nyle Schafhauser, Doheny Longboard Club President, stated,” This year’s event was especially exciting because we were able to add a SUP division that showed just how far the sport has come with their exceptional wave surfing abilities. Plus, we love to pay homage to the great Dale Velzy every year as a remembrance to all the great things he did for surfing”.
The Doheny Longboard Surfing Association is an organization comprised of individuals dedicated to the enjoyment of board surfing in a clean and natural environment. In relation to that philosophy, the DLSA will act as a support group to other organizations with similar views and objectives. For additional information contact Denny Michael at dlsa10@hotmail.com

Dukes Place

At one time - Duke had a resturant in the International Market place in Waikiki. Here is a picture of him in the courtyard.

The Road to Santa Cruz

Dale Velzy Remembered

Dale Velzy Remembered:
20th Annual Surf Classic Named in his Honor to be Held this Weekend at Doheny


DANA POINT, Calif., September 21st, 2009 - The Doheny Longboard Surfing Associations (DLSA) annual Dale Velzy Surf Classic and Luau is a big go for this Saturday. Each year hundreds of surfers and their families gather at Doheny State Beach to honor one of surfing’s most iconic figures.

Dale Velzy’s influence on surfing is wide spread and full of colorful stories. In Malcolm Gault-Williams’ website information on Velzy he quotes several surf legend remembrances:

"Without Velzy," said surfboard shaper Donald Takayama, "there wouldn't be a modern day longboard. Basically what the shortboard people are making with the wider tails and the abruptly pulled in noses are just a takeoff on Dale's bump boards."

"We were all kamikaze pilots," said Henry Ford about the gremmies that grew to be legends, apprenticed under Velzy, "going on our last mission and Velzy ran the airport."

Dale Velzy who passed away in 2005 is a very special person in the hearts of many surfers; this is especially true to the Doheny Longboard club. The club has been honored to host this venue for many years. Dale enjoyed many things in life but mostly having fun with friends and family. It is in that spirit that the DLSA holds this annual event. The open venue has many aspects to enjoy; everything from the classic surf contest, to the luau and the Polynesian review to dancing under the stars at Doheny with a live band, and just having a great time.

“Everything is in place to make this year’s program a very special one indeed. We are all hoping for good waves and weather to round out the festivities,” said Nyles Schafhauser, DLSA President.

This year’s event kicks off with the surf contest at 6:30 a.m. The Luau festivities begin at 3:00 p.m. followed closely by the Polynesian review, awards ceremony, raffles and then on to the dancing. It’s great fun for everyone.

For Luau information, tickets and group rate discounts contact Nyles at Surfcar1@aol.com.
For Surfing event information and sign ups contact Mark Calkins at mc250c@aol.com.

About the Doheny Longboard Surfing Association
The Doheny Longboard Surfing Association is an organization comprised of individuals dedicated to the enjoyment of board surfing in a clean and natural environment. In relation to that philosophy, the DLSA will act as a support group to other organizations with similar views and objectives. PR contact: Denny Michael at dlsa10@hotmail.com

Beach House

Dawn Patrol

Church at Sunset

The Moana Banyan Tree Story

1937 Tom Blake Board Plans

Some of Blakes contributions include the first hollow-core wood paddle board, which was responsible for saving thousands of lives, first sailboard, waterproof camera housing, first surfboard fin and the torpedo rescue buoy, who’s design is still in use today. But perhaps Tom Blakes most enigmatic contribution, is as the father of the “surfing lifestyle,” a pursuit that has, does and will continue to give meaning, faith and spirit to countless surfers pursuing that perfect wave! From Author Gary Lynch